
Weird & Unusual Attractions in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
1. Museu da Cripta
An unusual museum housed in a former cemetery with exhibits on the city's history and art.
- Historical Significance: Provides insights into Salvador's past, offering a unique perspective on its evolution.
- Artistic Expression: Showcases local artists' work, promoting cultural exchange and appreciation.
- Unique Setting: The museum is located in a former cemetery, providing an eerie yet captivating atmosphere.
2. Casa do Abacate
A house shaped like an artichoke, dedicated to promoting the artichoke industry in the region.
- Architectural Marvel: Its unique design is a sight to behold, attracting visitors from around the world.
- Culinary Experience: Offers artichoke-themed cuisine, providing a culinary adventure for food lovers.
- Industry Promotion: Promotes the local artichoke industry, contributing to its growth and recognition.
3. Mercado Modelo
A colorful market filled with unique souvenirs, art, and traditional Bahian food.
- Cultural Exchange: Allows visitors to immerse themselves in Salvador's rich culture and traditions.
- Unique Shopping Experience: Offers a wide variety of unique, locally-made items for souvenirs or gifts.
- Traditional Cuisine: Provides opportunities to taste traditional Bahian dishes and delicacies.
4. Igreja do Bonfim
A unique church known for its colorful baroque architecture and annual New Year's celebration.
- Baroque Architecture: Features intricate detailing, making it a visual treat for visitors.
- Religious Tradition: Holds the annual Terreiros de Coco ceremony on New Year's Eve.
- Cultural Significance: Is considered a symbol of the Afro-Brazilian culture and its integration into Salvador society.
5. Elevador Lacerda
A historic elevator connecting the upper and lower parts of the city, offering panoramic views.
- Historic Significance: Dates back to the late 19th century, providing a glimpse into the city's past.
- Scenic Views: Offers breathtaking views of the bay and the city from its upper landing.
- Transportation Solution: Facilitates travel between the upper and lower parts of Salvador, making sightseeing easier.
6. Museu da Pele
A museum dedicated to the history and culture of leatherwork in Salvador.
- Artisanal Skills: Showcases the artisanal skills of local leatherworkers, promoting their craft.
- Cultural Preservation: Preserves and promotes the traditional leatherwork techniques of Salvador.
- Unique Shopping Experience: Offers handmade leather goods for purchase, providing a memorable shopping experience.
7. Mercado de São Joaquim
A bustling market offering everything from food to art and traditional crafts.
- Cultural Immersion: Allows visitors to experience the daily life and vibrant culture of Salvador.
- Unique Shopping Experience: Offers a vast array of unique, locally-made items for souvenirs or gifts.
- Traditional Cuisine: Provides opportunities to taste traditional Bahian dishes and delicacies.
8. Catedral Basílica de São Francisco
A baroque cathedral known for its golden interior decorated with gold leaf.
- Baroque Architecture: Features stunning detailing and intricate designs, making it a visual masterpiece.
- Religious Significance: Is an important religious site and a symbol of the city's rich history.
- Golden Interior: The interior is decorated with gold leaf, creating an ethereal atmosphere.
9. Praia da Barra Grande
A unique beach located in a mangrove forest, offering a serene and tranquil atmosphere.
- Natural Beauty: Surrounded by lush mangroves, the beach offers a unique and picturesque setting.
- Wildlife Observation: Provides opportunities to observe various species of birds and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
- Tranquil Atmosphere: Offers a peaceful and secluded environment, perfect for relaxation.
10. Mercado Ver-o-Peso
A bustling market offering fresh seafood, traditional food, and handicrafts.
- Cultural Immersion: Allows visitors to experience the daily life and vibrant culture of Salvador.
- Fresh Seafood: Offers freshly caught seafood, providing a taste of the local cuisine.
- Unique Shopping Experience: Offers a vast array of unique, locally-made items for souvenirs or gifts.
11. Museu do Cacau
A museum dedicated to the history and culture of cocoa production in Salvador.
- Cultural Preservation: Preserves and promotes the traditional cocoa production techniques of Salvador.
- Artisanal Skills: Showcases the artisanal skills of local cocoa producers, promoting their craft.
- Unique Shopping Experience: Offers locally-made chocolate products for purchase, providing a memorable shopping experience.
12. Casa de Milagres
A unique house with mirrored walls and ceilings, designed to reflect the surrounding nature.
- Architectural Marvel: Its unique design is a sight to behold, attracting visitors from around the world.
- Natural Reflection: Reflects the surrounding nature, creating a serene and captivating atmosphere.
- Cultural Significance: Symbolizes the Afro-Brazilian belief in miracles and divine intervention.
13. Igreja do Pelourinho
A baroque church located in the historic center of Salvador, featuring colorful tilework.
- Baroque Architecture: Features intricate detailing and vibrant tilework, making it a visual treat.
- Historical Significance: Dates back to the 17th century, providing a glimpse into the city's past.
- Cultural Symbol: Is a symbol of the Afro-Brazilian culture and its integration into Salvador society.
14. Parque das Nações Africanas
A park dedicated to preserving the history and culture of Africa in Brazil.
- Cultural Preservation: Preserves and promotes the history and culture of African descendants in Brazil.
- Educational Experience: Offers educational programs about Africa and its impact on Brazilian culture.
- Community Gathering: Provides a space for the African community to gather, celebrate their heritage, and share their traditions.
15. Museu do Negro
A museum dedicated to preserving the history and culture of African descendants in Brazil.
- Cultural Preservation: Preserves and promotes the history and culture of African descendants in Brazil.
- Educational Experience: Offers educational programs about the impact of slavery on Brazilian society.
- Community Gathering: Provides a space for the African community to gather, celebrate their heritage, and share their traditions.